This paper traces the euro zone?s inadequate macroeconomic performance in recent years back to the predominance of a restrictive macroeconomic policy mix based on a ?new monetarist? approach to economic policy. An approach based on a (post-)Keynesian analysis is presented as a growth and...

It is by now widely accepted that the structural characteristics of the countries to become the euro area did not adhere to the conditions of an optimum currency area (OCA) when the euro was introduced in 1999. However, the satisfaction of OCA criteria may not be required for a workable currency...

Based on a post-Keynesian model of the relationship between wages, prices and employment, this paper begins by studying the extent to which unit labour cost trends have been responsible for disinflation and deflationary tendencies in Germany and Europe. Thereafter, the reasons for the...

Das Diskussionspapier liefert eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme verschiedener theoretischer Ansätze und empirischer Ergebnisse hinsichtlich der Wirkungen der Steuerpolitik auf Beschäftigung und Arbeitslosigkeit. In Anlehnung an den Mainstream der ökonomischen und finanzwissenschaftlichen...

This paper reconsiders the political economy approach to growth and distribution according to which (1) rising inequality induces more government redistribution; (2) more government redistribution is financed by higher distortionary taxation; and (3) higher distortionary taxes reduce economic...

This paper challenges the institutional sclerosis explanation of the German crisis according to which rigid labour markets and generous welfare state institutions have driven Germany into its position as "Europe's sick man". In general, the explanation is not convincing, because the underlying...

Obwohl die letzten Jahre steuerpolitisch also eine außergewöhnlich aktive Zeit waren und es zu riesigen Entlastungen kam, häufen sich in der jüngsten Zeit erneut die Forderungen nach radikalen Steuerreformen. CDU, CSU und FDP haben bereits konkrete Konzepte unterbreitet. Daneben sind von...

The introduction of monetary variables into post-Keynesian models of distribution and growth is an ongoing process. Lavoie (1995) has proposed a Kaleckian ?Minsky-Steindl-model? of distribution and growth, incorporating the effects debt and debt services have on short and long run capital...

The paper questions the predominant view on unemployment and wages in the European Union according to which high unemployment is primarily caused by labour market rigidities, i.e. social institutions and regulations which prevent ?market-clearing? real wage levels and structures. It is shown...